Book News Vol. 5 No. 18

BOOK NEWS

A Dram Come True
The Vancouver International Writers Festival presents the eighth annual Single Malt Scotch Whisky Sampling. Enjoy the superb, complex flavours of a variety of rare and distinguished single malts. Scotch experts will be on hand to enhance the experience. Rare malts and other select items will also be available at auction. Details here: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/supportus/dramcometrue

Canada Meets Japan: A Conversation of Authors
Join distinguished Japanese authors Takashi Atoda, Eto Mori and Jiro Asada in conversation with Vancouverites Steven Galloway, Nancy Lee and Timothy Taylor, and featuring PEN Canada spokesperson Douglas Coupland. Free admission but please pre-register: https://websurvey.sfu.ca/cgi-bin/WebObjects/WebSurvey.woa/wa/survey?54993916. For complete details, visit our website: http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/community/communitypartner.

Join us!
Our membership drive continues with exciting new incentives to join, as well as the benefits of membership:...discounts, earlybird tickets, we could go on... Click for more information, http://www.writersfest.bc.ca/supportus/joinus.

Every two weeks we will draw the name of a new member to win an exciting prize. The prize for April 30: a copy of Peter Carey's new book Parrot and Olivier in America!


Special Event

Peter Carey
Tickets are still available for our event featuring Peter Carey in conversation with Hal Wake at the Frederic Wood Theatre.

Salon is bursting with praise for Peter Carey’s latest, Parrot and Olivier in America.
http://www.salon.com/books/laura_miller/index.html?story=/books/laura_miller/2010/04/11/parrot_and_olivier_in_america


AWARDS & LISTS

And the winners of the 2010 Pulitzer Prizes are…
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/04/12/pulitzer-winners.html

British-Indian writer Rana Dasgupta has won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for best book, and Australian Glenda Guest has won for best first book.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/04/12/commonwealth-prize.html

The shortlist for the IMPAC Dublin literary award includes Zoe Heller, Joseph O’Neill, Marilynne Robinson and more.
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/books/story/2010/04/12/impac-dublin-shortlist.html

NEWS & FEATURES

A move vehemently opposed by Canadian booksellers is going ahead: the federal government has approved Amazon’s plan to build a warehouse in Canada.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/amazon-cleared-to-open-warehouse/article1531726/

New studies dubbed 'neuro lit crit’ explore how great writing affects the hard wiring inside our heads.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2010/apr/11/brain-scans-probe-books-imagination

At recent tribute to Paul Quarrington, CanLit, CanRock and CanStage luminaries came out to celebrate the late author’s life.
http://network.nationalpost.com/NP/blogs/afterword/archive/2010/04/14/a-tribute-to-paul-quarrington.aspx

Have a little fun and improve your reading speed and comprehension.
http://www.spreeder.com/app.php?intro=1

And for those of you who want to write, this article in the Atlantic Monthly suggests you avoid books that call themselves writing manuals.
http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2010/04/how-to-write-in-700-easy-lessons/8043/

BOOKS & WRITERS

The reviews of Yann Martel’s new novel beatrice & virgil are decidedly mixed. The Globe & Mail and the Montreal Gazette sing the book’s praises, while Quill & Quire and the Toronto Star are less glowing.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-beatrice-virgil-by-yann-martel/article1528941/
http://www.montrealgazette.com/entertainment/books/Yann+Martel+beatrice+virgil+Seeing/2782643/story.html
http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/books/bookreviews/article/792900--pevere-yann-martel-sets-the-bar-very-high-in-beatrice-virgil
http://www.quillandquire.com/reviews/review.cfm?review_id=6821

In Diane Warren’s new novel Cool Water the author “takes up the challenge of portraying a present-day prairie town…as a metaphor for the changing agrarian West.”
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-cool-water-by-dianne-warren/article1529209/

The Globe & Mail reviews Anne Carson's “complex and moving” tribute to her late brother Michael.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-nox-an-epitaph-for-my-brother-by-anne-carson/article1529174/

George Fetherling’s latest novel Walt Whitman’s Secret “is a resonant, shimmering work that stakes a claim on posterity,” writes the Globe & Mail.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/review-walt-whitmans-secret-by-george-fetherling/article1529203/

The NY Times reviews Italian author Paulo Giordano’s hit novel, The Solitude of Prime Numbers.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/11/books/review/Schillinger-t.html?ref=books

The Globe & Mail talks with Anosh Irani about his new novel Dahanu Road and the world premiere of his play My Granny the Goldfish at the Vancouver Arts Club’s Revue Theatre, opening April 21.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/books/anosh-iranis-story-born-from-history/article1533264/

JMG Le Clézio, who won the Nobel prize in literature in 2008, grants the Guardian a rare interview.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/apr/10/le-clezio-nobel-prize-profile

The Guardian profiles David Mitchell, perhaps the “only British novelist under 50 whose work has had an academic conference dedicated to it.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/theobserver/2010/apr/11/observer-profile-david-mitchell

Lorrie Moore talks about why she wants to write more novels, and what it’s like to be in her “joker years.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2010/apr/11/lorrie-moore-gate-stairs-interview

COMMUNITY EVENTS

ROBSON READING SERIES
George McWhirter reading from Solar Poems/Poemas Solares, his translation of the work of the renowned Mexican poet-activist Homero Aridjis. Thursday, April 15 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Library/Bookstore-Robson Square, Plaza Level, 800 Robson Street.

subTERRAIN
Celebrate Vancouver's literary past, present, and perhaps future with the launch of issue 54/55 which features profiles of, and choice excerpts from, some of Vancouver's best writers. Thursday, April 15 at 7:00pm. Cafe Montmarte, 4362 Main Street.

DARWIN'S BASTARDS
Douglas & McIntyre launch Darwin's Bastards: Astounding Tales from Tomorrow. Featuring: Laura Trunkey, Jay Brown, Paul Carlucci, Adam Lewis Schroeder, Annabel Lyon, Oliver Kellhammer, Timothy Taylor, Lee Henderson. Wear your best costumes from the future! Friday, April 16 at 8:00pm. The Wise Hall, 1882 Adanac Street.

UNLEASHED
Talk and book signing by dog trainer and author Brad Pattison. Saturday, April 17 at 2:00pm, free. Chapters Robson, 788 Robson Street, Vancouver.

JEFF DERKSEN
Reading by the author of Annhiliated Time. Friday, April 16 at 8:00pm. Admission $3-$5 sliding scale. Also, a workshop with Nancy Gillespie on Saturday, April 17 at 2:30pm. Admission $10-$15 sliding scale. 3rd Floor, W2 Perel Building (112 West Hastings). More information at www.kswnet.org.

VISITING POETS SALON & READING
Readings by Penn Kemp and Catherine Owen. Saturday, April 17 at 7:30pm. Josef & Heather's Place, Bowen Island. To RSVP, get directions and ferry information, email hshaley@emspace.com or call 604.947.9386.

NORTH SHORE WRITERS FESTIVAL
Featuring readings and talks by Canadian authors including Annabel Lyon, author of The Golden Mean, Joy Fielding, author of Still Life, Mad River Road, and See Jane Run, and Anosh Irani, author of Dahanu Road. April 19-22. More information and locations at www.northshorewritersfestival.ca.

WRITING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE READING SERIES
Visit the intimate living room at Historic Joy Kogawa House for a series of small salon evenings with five writers concerned with social change. The first event features Joan Macleod reading from and sign her works. Monday, April 19 at 7:30pm, admission by donation. Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 64th Ave. W. More information here: http://www.kogawahouse.com/node/181.

VANCOUVER POETRY SLAM
Finals Night featuring Joaquin Zihuatanejo. Monday, April 19 at 8:00pm. Admission: $12 in advance/$13 online/$15 at the door. The Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway. More information at www.vancouverpoetryhouse.com

THE HIDDEN PLACES UNCOVERED
An evening of art and poetry collaboration presented by the Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery and Pandora's Collective. Tuesday, April 20 at 7:00pm. Sidney and Gertrude Zack Gallery, 950 W. 41st Ave. Complete information at www.pandorascollective.com.

SPOKEN INK
Readings by poets Rob Taylor and David Zieroth. Tuesday, April 20 at 7:30pm. La Fontana Cafe (101-3701 East Hastings). More information at www.burnabywritersnews.blogspot.com.

DINING ON AMBROSIA
Join prize-winning bards Penn Kemp and Susan McCaslin for an evening of poetry with ancient planetary mother goddesses. Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30pm, free. Peter Kaye Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

ROMANCE WRITERS OF AMERICA
Authors and panelists Eileen Cook, RG Hart and Susan Lyons discuss what makes a romance and the big business of romance writing. Wednesday, April 21 at 6:30pm, free. Alma VanDusen Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

EVE LAZARUS AND CLAUDIA CORNWALL
Authors of The Life & Art of Frank Molnar, Jack Hardman & Leroy Jensen read from their new book. Wednesday, April 21 at 7:00pm, free. Books will be available for purchase. Lynn Valley Library (1277 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver).

AL PURDY CELEBRATION READING
Come read your favourite Al Purdy poem or one of your own poems for, or about Al, or in Al's style. Wednesday, April 21. Happy Isle Cafe, Dorman Road, (Bowen Island). More information at 604.947.0017.

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH
Celebration with Gillian Jerome, Laisha Rosnau and Gregory Scofield. Thursday, April 22 at 7:00pm, free. UBC Bookstore Library, Robson Square, 800 Robson Street.

POETRY READING
A poetry reading by Penn Kemp and Susan McCaslin. Thursday, April 22 at 7:00pm, free. The Fort Gallery, 9048 Glover Rd., Fort Langley, BC.

ARTHUR ELLIS AWARDS
Join the Crime Writers of Canada for a panel discussion of crime writing and presentation of the Arthur Ellis Awards shortlist release event. Thursday, April 22 at 7:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

ANN ERIKSSON
Author reads from her new novel, Falling from Grace. Thursday, April, 22 at 7:30pm, free. Meeting Room, Level 3, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

PLANET EARTH POETRY
Launch of Daniela Elza, Peter Morin, and Onjana Yawnghwe's book 4 Poets. Friday, April 23 at 7:30pm, $3 at the door. The Black Stilt Coffee House, 103-1633 Hillside Avenue, Victoria. For more details contact planetearthpoetry@gmail.com.

TEMPERING THE CLIMATE
A poetry reading by Penn Kemp and Susan McCaslin, followed by a "Gathering Peaces" workshop. Saturday, April 24. Free reading at 1:00pm, workshop at 2:00pm (tickets are $20). Canadian Memorial Centre for Peace, the Fireside Room, 1825 W. 16th Avenue, Vancouver. More information at 604.731.3101.

STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
Yann Martel's highly anticipated new novel beatrice & virgil is a bewitching story about a famous, yet struggling author, an eccentric taxidermist, a donkey and a howler monkey. Meet the author of Life of Pi in the intimate setting of Studio One on Sunday April 25 at 3 pm. The only way to get in, is to win! Go to www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub to enter for free tickets.

Upcoming

WORLD POETRY GALA
World Poetry celebrates it's 9th anniversary. Join hosts Ariadne Sawyer and Alejandro Mujica-Olea for poetry, music and an awards presentation. A tribute to past award winners and World Poetry ambassadors. Monday, April 26 at 6:30pm, free. Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

YANN MARTEL
Capilano University Pacific Arbour Speaker Series presents Man Booker prize winner Yann Martel (Life of Pi) with Anosh Irani, award-winning playwright and best-selling author of The Song of Kahunsha, a 2007 Canada Reads finalist. Monday, April 26 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $15/$13. Kay Meek Centre, North Vancouver. More information at http://www.capilanou.ca/news-events/performing-arts/season-performances/Speaker.html.

LORRI NEILSEN GLENN, EVE JOSEPH AND JOHN DONLAN
Join poets as they read from their latest collections. Celebrate Brick Books' 35th anniversary! Tuesday, April 27 at 7:30pm, free. Peter Kaye Room, Lower Level, Central Library, 350 West Georgia Street.

TALON'S 2010 CROSS-CANADA POETRY TOUR
Readings by derek beaulieu, Ken Belford, George Bowering, Weyman Chan, Stephen Collis, Frank Davey, Garry Thomas Morse, and Ken Norris. Wednesday, April 28 at 8:00pm, free. Heritage Hall (3102 Main). More information at www.talonbooks.com.

WRITING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE READING SERIES
Visit the intimate living room at Historic Joy Kogawa House for a series of small salon evenings with five writers who use literature to call for social change and justice and as a tool for social transformation. The second writer in the series, Anosh Irani will read from and sign his works. Monday, May 3 at 7:30pm, admission by donation. Historic Joy Kogawa House, 1450 64th Ave. W. More information here: http://www.kogawahouse.com/node/181.

STUDIO ONE BOOK CLUB
Canada's own international best-selling fantasy fiction author Guy Gavriel Kay is coming to the CBC Radio Studio One Book Club! His new novel "Under Heaven" is getting rave reviews! It's set during the glory of the Tang Dynasty in China and is an adventure that has everything readers around the world love about Guy's epic stories. Come join the discussion with Guy Gavriel Kay in the intimate setting of Studio One on Wednesday May 5 at 6:30 pm. The only way to get in, is to win! Go to www.cbc.ca/bc/bookclub to enter for free tickets.

RYAN KNIGHTON
Author reads from his critically acclaimed memoir C’mon Papa, Dispatches from a Dad in the Dark. Sunday, May 9 at 7:30pm. Tickets: $10/$12. Capilano Performing Arts Theatre, 2055 Purcell Way, North Vancouver.

WRITE ON BOWEN!
Early-bird registration is now being accepted for the 3rd annual Write on Bowen Festival for Writers and Readers. July 2-4, 2010. For the full Festival line-up and registration details, visit www.biac.ca/writersfestival.